The shrimp cocktail is an emblematic dish of the coastal areas and is especially popular in Tolú, where the tradition has been strengthened thanks to the presence of an important fishing and shrimp industry in the municipality.
Preparation of the shrimp cocktail begins by cooking the shrimp in boiling water with enough salt for about 10 minutes. Then, they are removed from the fire and left to stand to cool. Apart, a delicious salsa is prepared that enhances the flavor of shrimp. To do this, mix tomato sauce, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, red onion cut into small pieces and a few drops of black and spicy sauce, all to the taste of whoever prepares it. This salsa gives a touch of freshness and acidity to the cocktail.
Once the shrimp is cold, they are peeled and the vein is removed if necessary. The peeled shrimps are added to the sauce and stirred carefully to ensure that they mix well with the other ingredients. It is important to keep the shrimp in the fridge from the previous day so that they are cold and maintain their texture and freshness.
The shrimp cocktail is traditionally served with salt crackers or "soda crackers", which are the perfect accompaniment to enjoy the shrimp and it's delicious sauce. However, the final presentation may vary depending on where it is consumed. Some restaurants may add additional ingredients such as avocado, cilantro, or even extra seafood to enrich the dish.
The shrimp cocktail is a refreshing and tasty option to enjoy on hot days, either as an appetizer or as a main course. Its combination of juicy shrimp and the mixture of salsa flavors make it a very appetizing dish and popular with local inhabitants and visitors to the coastal area.
